hunting axe recommendation

[fishdog52]

I need to get a good hunting axe for next falls moose hunt.  Thinking an 18 or 20 " handle, but looking for your recommendation/experience.  Does anyone in the US or Canada still produce a topshelf axe? Would like to get one good enough to use hard (not abuse) & still leave in my will. Thanks!

[EsoxLucius]

Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/index.html
http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/p_skogs_liten.htm

[Siskiyou]

Here is a source for a verity of axes.  http://www.benmeadows.com/search/axe

The Rigger’s axe fits my idea of a great axe because it is short, sharp, and tough.  It does not present the user the same problems an axe with a wooden handle presents.  The head stays on the handle, after a few years the best of wooden handles suffer some shrinkage.

ESTWING® Rigger’s Axe

I own two or three hatchets.  But the best one is a True Temper with a metal handle with a rubber grip.  It has chopped wood and split game for over 40 years.

A word of caution, a short handled axe, also known as a cruiser’s axe, or Boy’s Axe has some risk in its use.  A miss with a long handle axe many times plants the blade into the ground.  A miss with a short handle axe plants the blade in the foot or the shin, or in my brother-in-laws case in the knee.

For a tight budget this might fit: Ames Boy's Single Bit Axe, 2-1/4 Lb

A safe axe must have a sheath.  Or the cutting edge taped with Duct tape.

I own a couple of single bladed full size axes.  One I re-handled and Epoxy  the handle to the head.  It is a good tool.  The second one came out of my Dad's garage after he passed away.  My younger brothers broke the orginal handle, and then did a poor rehandle job.  I am embarrassed to have it in my shop.  I need to buy and install and new handle the right way.

[Siskiyou]

Take a look at the GERBER CUTLERY SPORT AXE 2.81" FORGED STEEL BLADE 14.25" OVERALL LENGTH
The Sport Axe™ is an essential part of any outdoorsman’s equipment. It combines a full size hatchet head with a tough and lightweight handle. The axe head is made of forged steel, tempered to take and hold a superior cutting edge. The axe handle is made of Polyamide™, a virtually unbreakable fiberglass reinforced polymer. Gerber’s manufacturing process actually molds the Polyamide handle around the axe head, insuring that it will never separate or come loose from the handle under normal use. Like the rest of Gerber’s axes, the Sport Axe will prove to be indispensable to backpackers, kayakers, rafters, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts whose activities call for functional, space-saving equipment.

Mid South a Graybeard sponsor carries this item.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0005445907

[379 Peterbilt]

I've heard that the Gransfors Bruks axe/hatchets are going up 6-7% in march. May wanna pull the trigger now.

[mjh]

I have a Snow and Nealy axe that I really like.  I think its a 2 1/2 lbs head with 18 to 20 inch handle.  Good woods cruising axe.  Also have the Gransfors wood carving hachet.  I do some wood carving with it plus with the head and blade design it is easy to choke up on and have good control.  I like it for close in work, carving and camp chores other than spliting big wood for the fire.   My next axe will be a Gransfors just haven't decided which one yet.